CHARTER FOR UNEMPLOYED WORKERS

We combine together in mutual solidarity, and independent of government, employers and other organisations, to fight for the rights of all unemployed workers.

WE DEMAND:

Full employment as a government aim and priority

This would be aided by government investment in building and improving social housing, in developing green technology, in public transport, and in education, training and research. This level of investment can be achieved through progressive redistributive taxation and cutting down on tax avoidance and evasion.

All those looking for but unable to find waged work to receive benefits of at least the level needed for the essentials of a decent life (the living wage)

We are fully supportive of the principle of rewarding people more for working, but this must be done by increasing the money received by those in work, not by penalising unemployed workers.

No-one to be expected or required to work without proper wages

We demand an end to workfare schemes, which exploit unemployed workers as unpaid labour and displace paid jobs.

Government to invest in supporting real apprenticeships where people can learn skilled trades

Apprentices should also receive a living wage; and there must be an end to pseudo apprenticeships that are no more than underpaid basic on-the-job training.

Secure employment

We demand full employee rights from the first day, repeal of the anti-trade union laws, and an end to the casualisation of labour and to the use of outsourcing to drive down wages and conditions.

A shorter working week

This would allow work to be more evenly distributed, and must be instigated without loss of pay.

The right (but not compulsion) to retire at 60

No private profits from unemployment

Not only should there be no direct profits from workfare, but we also demand an end to the contracting out of unemployment policy administration as a source of private profit.

Accessible, affordable, flexible childcare provision so that carers are able to work 

And adequate support for carers who choose to stay at home and look after young children themselves or where no childcare is available.

Reasonable financial support for those unable to work because of a physical or mental disability or because they are caring for others

This needs to be sufficient to allow the maintenance of a decent standard of living and enable recipients to take a full part in community life. Eligibility for support must be assessed individually and with compassion for complex and unique needs

Government funding for the provision of employment opportunities for disabled workers in both mainstream and specialised/supported work places

Jobs to accommodate the needs of individual disabled workers